Unlocking Precision and Savings: A Deep Dive into the MEC 812012 Sizemaster Shotshell Reloading Press

For avid shooters, competitive sportsmen, and dedicated hunters, the cost and availability of shotgun ammunition can often be a significant hurdle. Whether you're breaking clays on the trap range, pursuing waterfowl in the marshes, or enjoying a casual day of sporting clays, consuming hundreds, if not thousands, of shells annually adds up quickly. This is where the world of shotshell reloading offers a compelling solution, providing not only substantial financial savings but also an unparalleled degree of control over your ammunition's performance. For those seeking to embark on this rewarding journey, or seasoned reloaders looking to upgrade to a robust, reliable, and precise machine, the MEC 812012 Sizemaster Shotshell Reloading Press, constructed from durable cast iron, stands out as an industry benchmark.

This comprehensive guide will explore the MEC Sizemaster's features, illuminate its benefits, and answer common questions for anyone considering investing in their ammunition future. You might be asking: "What's the best way to reduce my shotgun ammo expenses?" or "How can I produce custom shotgun loads tailored to my specific needs?" or even "What equipment do I need to start reloading shotshells at home?" The MEC Sizemaster is often the answer to these fundamental inquiries.

The Foundation of Superior Shotshells: Why Reload with the MEC Sizemaster?

At its core, the MEC 812012 Sizemaster is engineered to empower reloaders to produce high-quality, consistent shotshells with efficiency and precision. Unlike many other presses, its defining characteristic, and the origin of its "Sizemaster" moniker, is its unparalleled ability to resize the base of every spent shotshell hull. Why is this critical? Modern shotshells, especially those fired multiple times, can swell at the base, making them difficult to chamber or eject from your firearm. The Sizemaster's unique Power Ring Resizer ensures that every hull is returned to factory specifications, guaranteeing reliable feeding and extraction, shot after shot. This isn't just a convenience; it's a safety and performance imperative, especially for semi-automatic shotguns.

Crafted from heavy-duty cast iron, the MEC Sizemaster embodies durability and stability. This robust construction minimizes flex during operation, which translates directly into more consistent and precise crimps and overall ammunition quality. A stable press is crucial for maintaining tight tolerances, ensuring that each component – from primer to powder to shot – is seated exactly where it needs to be. For anyone considering their first reloading press, or looking to replace an older, less rigid model, the long-term reliability and performance consistency of a cast iron machine like the Sizemaster are invaluable.

Key Features of the MEC 812012 Sizemaster: Precision Engineered for Performance

The MEC Sizemaster is packed with features designed to streamline the reloading process while ensuring maximum accuracy and safety. Understanding these components helps illustrate why this press is a top choice for discerning reloaders:

• The Patented Power Ring Collet Resizer: This is the heart of the "Sizemaster" capability. Unlike simple sizing dies, the collet resizer firmly grips and constricts the entire brass or steel base of the hull, bringing it back to factory dimensions. This process is essential for reliable chambering in all shotguns, particularly in semi-automatics where slightly oversized bases can cause malfunctions. It also extends the usable life of your valuable spent hulls.
• Automatic Priming System: The Sizemaster features an integrated E-Z Prime Auto Priming System. This system automatically seats a new primer with each stroke of the operating handle, significantly speeding up the reloading process and reducing manual handling. The primer feed is smooth and reliable, ensuring consistent primer seating depth, which is vital for reliable ignition and consistent muzzle velocities.
• One-Piece High-Strength Reloading Bar: This heavy-duty bar provides exceptional rigidity and prevents deflection during operation. It houses the adjustable powder and shot bushings, ensuring that precise, consistent charges of propellant and shot are dispensed with every cycle. Consistency in charge weights is paramount for accuracy and predictable performance.
• Adjustable Powder and Shot Bushings: The MEC Sizemaster comes with a standard set of interchangeable powder and shot bushings. These allow reloaders to fine-tune their load recipes by varying the amount of powder and shot dispensed. This versatility is crucial for developing custom loads that optimize performance for specific firearms, target types, or hunting scenarios.
• Universal Charge Bar: While often purchased separately, many reloaders integrate a universal charge bar with their Sizemaster for even greater flexibility in adjusting powder and shot drops without needing a vast collection of individual bushings. This allows for quick adjustments when experimenting with new load data.
• Spacious Spent Primer Catcher: Located conveniently, this catcher collects spent primers as they are decapped, keeping your reloading area clean and tidy.
• Complete Die Set: The Sizemaster is available for various gauges, including the popular 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and .410 bore. Each press comes with a complete set of dies necessary for all six operations of shotshell reloading: decapping and resizing, priming, powder dropping, wad seating, shot dropping, and crimping.
• Cam-Operated Crimp Starter and Finisher: The integrated crimp starter gently initiates the crimp, while the final crimp die precisely closes the shell mouth, ensuring a professional, consistent, and durable crimp every time. A good crimp is essential for proper powder ignition and uniform shot patterns.

How the MEC Sizemaster Elevates Your Reloading Experience

Choosing the MEC 812012 Sizemaster is an investment in enhanced shooting experiences and smart financial planning.

• Unmatched Consistency and Accuracy: The precise sizing, consistent priming, and uniform crimping achieved with the Sizemaster lead directly to ammunition that performs identically from shell to shell. This consistency is what allows competitive shooters to shave fractions of a second off their times and hunters to place ethical shots reliably. When every component is handled with precision, the outcome is superior ballistics.
• Significant Cost Savings: One of the most compelling reasons to reload is the potential for substantial savings. Depending on the components you use and the current market price of factory ammunition, you can often save 50% to 70% or more on the cost of each shotshell. For someone who shoots thousands of rounds a year, these savings quickly add up, often paying for the press itself within a season or two. This financial advantage allows you to shoot more, practice more, and enjoy your sport without constantly worrying about ammunition expenses.
• Complete Customization of Loads: Factory ammunition is designed to be a "one-size-fits-all" solution. With the MEC Sizemaster, you gain the ability to tailor your loads precisely to your firearm, your shooting discipline, or your hunting needs. Want a lighter recoil load for a long day at the trap range? Need a specific shot size or wad type for optimal patterns with your choke? The Sizemaster empowers you to experiment with different powder types, primer brands, wad designs, and shot sizes to achieve the perfect balance of velocity, recoil, and pattern density for your specific goals. This level of personalization is simply not possible with off-the-shelf ammunition.
• Self-Sufficiency and Supply Security: In times of ammunition shortages or unpredictable market conditions, reloading your own shotshells with a reliable press like the Sizemaster provides a profound sense of self-reliance. You're no longer dependent on fluctuating retail stock or escalating prices. As long as you have access to components, you can continue to produce your ammunition, ensuring you're always prepared for your next outing.
• Exceptional Durability and Longevity: The cast iron construction of the MEC Sizemaster means it's built to last for decades, often becoming a cherished tool passed down through generations. Its robust design ensures it can withstand high-volume reloading without compromise. This makes it a one-time investment that continues to deliver value over a lifetime of shooting.

Getting Started: Using Your MEC Sizemaster

While detailed instructions are provided with the press, the general workflow of reloading with the MEC Sizemaster is intuitive for new and experienced reloaders alike.

• Mounting the Press: Securely fasten the press to a sturdy reloading bench or a dedicated stand. The cast iron construction ensures a stable platform, but a solid mounting surface is paramount for safe and efficient operation.
• Gauging and Die Installation: Select the appropriate die set for your desired shotshell gauge (e.g., 12 gauge). Install the dies into the press according to the instructions, ensuring proper alignment.
• Primer Feed and Charge Bar Setup: Load the primer tray with suitable shotshell primers. Install the desired powder and shot bushings into the charge bar, or use a universal charge bar, adjusting it to your chosen powder and shot weight according to your reloading manual's data.
• The Six-Station Process: The Sizemaster performs six distinct operations, each contributing to a perfectly finished shell. With each pull of the operating handle, a new hull progresses through these stations:
  • Station 1: Decap and Resize: The spent primer is pushed out, and the hull base is resized back to original dimensions using the Power Ring Resizer.
  • Station 2: Prime: A new primer is automatically seated into the hull.
  • Station 3: Powder Drop: The precise powder charge is dispensed into the hull.
  • Station 4: Wad Seat: A shotshell wad is inserted and seated firmly over the powder charge.
  • Station 5: Shot Drop: The precise shot charge is dispensed into the wad.
  • Station 6: Crimp: The shell is first crimped lightly (crimp starter) and then finished to a perfect, secure crimp.
• Monitoring and Quality Control: Throughout the process, regularly inspect your finished shells for proper crimp, consistent length, and overall quality. Weigh powder and shot drops periodically to ensure accuracy.

Addressing Common Questions for Aspiring Shotshell Reloaders

• "Is shotshell reloading difficult for a beginner?" While reloading requires attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols, the MEC Sizemaster is known for its straightforward operation. Its single-stage design means each pull of the handle completes one stage for one shell, making it easier to learn the process compared to progressive presses that perform multiple operations simultaneously. With a good reloading manual and careful attention, beginners can quickly become proficient.
• "What gauges can the MEC Sizemaster handle?" The MEC Sizemaster is available for all popular shotshell gauges, including 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and .410 bore. You would typically purchase a Sizemaster configured for a specific gauge, or acquire separate changeover kits to switch between gauges on the same press frame.
• "What additional components do I need besides the press?" To start reloading, you'll need: a comprehensive shotshell reloading manual, appropriate shotshell hulls (new or once-fired), primers, suitable smokeless shotshell powder, wads, and lead or non-toxic shot. A precise digital scale for verifying powder charges is also highly recommended for safety and accuracy.
• "How much can I truly save by reloading with this press?" Savings can be substantial. For a standard 12-gauge target load, you might find factory ammunition costing anywhere from $0.35 to $0.60 per shell. By reloading, your cost per shell could drop to $0.10 to $0.20, depending on component prices and bulk purchasing. Over thousands of rounds, this translates into hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually.
• "Is cast iron really better for a reloading press?" Absolutely. Cast iron provides superior rigidity and mass compared to aluminum or stamped steel presses. This minimizes flexing during the reloading cycle, leading to more consistent seating of components, better crimps, and overall higher quality ammunition. The added weight also contributes to press stability on your workbench.

Maintenance and Care for Your Reloading Investment

To ensure your MEC Sizemaster continues to deliver peak performance for years to come, simple routine maintenance is key:

• Keep it Clean: Regularly wipe down the press to remove powder residue, shot dust, and other debris. A soft brush or cloth can be used.
• Lubrication: Periodically apply a light coat of high-quality machine oil to all moving parts and pivot points. This ensures smooth operation and prevents wear. Avoid excessive oil, especially near primers or powder.
• Inspect Dies and Bushings: Check dies for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure powder and shot bushings are clean and free of obstructions to maintain accurate dispensing.
• Store Properly: When not in use, store your press in a dry, clean environment to prevent rust and corrosion, especially if you live in a humid climate.

Why Choose MEC for Your Shotshell Reloading Needs?

MEC (Mayville Engineering Company) has been a leading name in shotshell reloading equipment for over 60 years. Their long-standing reputation is built on a foundation of quality engineering, durable construction, and consistent innovation. When you choose a MEC press like the Sizemaster, you're not just buying a piece of machinery; you're investing in a legacy of reliability and precision that has served generations of shooters. Their commitment to manufacturing in the USA and providing excellent customer support further solidifies their position as a trusted brand in the reloading community. Replacement parts are readily available, ensuring that your investment is protected for decades.

The MEC 812012 Sizemaster Shotshell Reloading Press in cast iron is more than just a tool; it's a gateway to self-sufficiency, financial savings, and the ability to fine-tune your shooting performance like never before. It represents a smart, long-term investment for any serious shotgun enthusiast.

All MEC reloading products, including the versatile MEC 812012 Sizemaster Shotshell Reloading Press, are available at DEGuns. Discover the power of precision reloading and take control of your ammunition supply today.

MEC 812012 Sizemaster Shotshell Reloading Press: Key Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	812012 Sizemaster
Construction	Heavy Duty Cast Iron
Operations	6 (Decap/Size, Prime, Powder, Wad, Shot, Crimp)
Sizing Capability	Patented Power Ring Collet Resizer
Priming System	E-Z Prime Auto Priming System
Charge System	One-Piece High-Strength Reloading Bar, Auto-Charge
Includes	Standard Powder & Shot Bushings, Spent Primer Catcher
UPC	098489013741
Available At	DEGuns